Jackets CHL Prospect Update

By Aaron Vickers

March 12th, 2003

The CHL is gearing up for the stretch drive towards the playoffs. Some prospects are gearing up for the post-season, while others are looking towards an extended offseason. This edition’s MVP is Kelowna Rockets forward Kiel McLeod, though his time in the organization seems to be limited.

Western Hockey League

Kiel McLeod – Forward – Kelowna Rockets – Selected in the 2nd Round (53 Overall) in 2001The NHL trade deadline has come and gone, and the rights of Kiel McLeod still remain in the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Do not be fooled, however, as contract talks have yet to be picked up. McLeod is well on his way to free agency. For the meantime, McLeod will have to settle for playing on one of the hottest teams in the WHL, the Kelowna Rockets, who, along with the Red Deer Rebels are amongst the favourites to capture the WHL Championship. McLeod must be happy in his final year of junior, playing on a championship calibre team, and playing exceptional hockey himself. To date, McLeod has put up 82 points (37-45-82) through 65 games. The points are enough for a career high, and McLeod’s next goal will tie his total from the 2000-2001 season.

Since Last Update: 11 Games, 18 Points (8-10-18)

Interesting Stat: #17 is on his way to setting career highs in points, goals, assists, and penalty minutes.

Steven Goertzen – Forward – Seattle Thunderbirds – Selected in the 7th Round (225th Overall) in 2002With the Seattle Thunderbirds sitting first in their division, Steven Goertzen has his sights set on making a playoff appearance in 2002-2003. While his contributions offensively haven’t been massive, Goertzen has provided an offensive punch for the third line. He’s turned out 30 points (12-18-30) in limited icetime. His plus/minus, a stat useful in comparing teammates, situates Steven a very respectable 6th on the club. Goertzen has proven to be very durable as well, playing in 67 of 68 games for Seattle this season.

Since Last Update: 12 Games, 6 Points (1-5-6) Interesting Stat: #26 has already established new career highs in goals, assists, points, and penalty minutes this season.

Tim Konsorada – Forward – Brandon Wheat Kings – Selected in the 6th Round (168th Overall) in 2002 Tim Konsorada, unlike teammate Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, is looking forward to the post-season. His Brandon Wheat Kings currently sit atop the east division by a comfortable margin. Konsorada himself has been flirting with a point-per-game pace all season, and currently finds himself just under that mark. He’s currently registered 68 points (21-47-68) in 71 games, including nine goals on the powerplay. With injury troubles in Brandon, Konsorada has even seen some time on the blueline, specifically in powerplay situations.

Since Last Update: 12 Games Played, 9 Points (0-7-7)Interesting Stat: #19 has set career highs in goals, assists, points, penalty minutes, and will establish a new career high in games played when Brandon steps on the ice next.

Ole-Kristian Tollefsen – Defense – Brandon Wheat Kings – Selected in the 3rd Round (65th Overall) in 2002 After recovering from a bruised hand just after the last update, Ole-Kristian Tollefsen now has time to kick back and relax, for all the wrong reasons. Remember how its been stated Tollefsen has been injury-prone to say the least? Last week OK suffered a separated shoulder, and has been lost for the season. An up and down season for Tollefsen, to say the least, in his first junior season. His totals on the season were excellent for a rookie defenseman. Through 43 games, Tollefsen registered 20 points (6-14-20).

Since Last Update: 6 Games Played, 3 Points (0-3-3)Interesting Stat: #27 has suffered a separated shoulder, bruised hand, concussion, laceration to the arm, and whiplash. He played in 43 of 71 games for the Wheat Kings this season.

Ontario Hockey League

Andrew Penner – Goaltender – Guelph Storm – Signed As A Free Agent (Sept 17th, 2001)Penner continues to establish himself as an elite goaltender in the Ontario Hockey League. Playing in front of a team not considered to be a force (only a .500 club, thanks in part to the play of Penner), Andrew has managed to put up very respectable numbers. Penner has a save percentage of .903 and a goals against average of 2.80, good enough for top ten in the league. Penner has also evened up his record, with a 20-20-7 record.

Since Last Update:8-2-1 Record Interesting Stat: Penner has established career marks in games and minutes played.

Ryan Bowness – Forward – Brampton Battalion – Selected in the 8th Round (236th Overall) in 2001Days after the last Jackets CHL Prospect Update, Ryan Bowness went down with an injury, and has not played in almost a month. The good news is that Bowness is expected to return to the lineup in the next few days, His statistics remain unchanged, with 31 points (14-17-31) in 53 games this season. Here’s hoping that the time off shakes the slump Bowness was in beforehand.

Since Last Update: Has Not PlayedInteresting Stat: #24 has set career highs in goals, assists and points thus far this season.

Cole Jarrett – Defense – Plymouth Whalers – Selected in the 5th Round (141st Overall) in 2001Jarrett, like Bowness and Tollefsen, is on the shelf and out of the Plymouth Whalers line-up. Despite being injured, Jarrett remains in the top 5 in OHL defensemen scoring, ranking 3rd. His 55 points (14-41-55) place him 3rd in defensemen scoring, and 5th in Whaler scoring. There is no timeline for Jarrett’s return, as he is out indefinitely.

Since Last Update: 3 Games Played, 2 Points (0-2-2) Interesting Stat: Jarrett has established a new high in assists, points, penalty minutes, and his next goal will establish a new career high in that category.

Aaron Johnson is the only current Jacket defenseman prospect in the CHL that is not injured. He is also flirting with a point-per-game pace, and like Jarrett, sits 3rd in defensemen scoring for his league. He has registered 52 points (8-48-54) in 54 games this season. Gearing up for a post-season appearance, Johnson has stepped in as Remparts top defenseman, and will play a key role in any postseason run.

Since Last Update: 11 Games Played, 10 Points (3-7-10) Interesting Stat: Johnson should set a new career high in assists this season, and is only 2 helpers away from doing so.